To truly respect, value, and admire exceptional leadership, one must first understand the qualities that make a leader truly remarkable. In today’s ever-evolving workplace, an identity crisis persists, and this challenge has been particularly pronounced for women in leadership roles. While the tide is shifting, with more women rising to prominent positions, there remains substantial work ahead.
In the corporate realm, the statistics speak volumes: women currently occupy only 4.6 percent of Fortune 500 CEO positions, mirroring the same percentage for Fortune 1000 CEO positions. As women continue to ascend in the business world, their distinct strengths and capabilities have yet to receive the recognition they truly deserve.
Growing up in a Hispanic cultural milieu, many of us have been surrounded by resolute, industrious, and purpose-driven women. It is through their leadership that our family’s traditions, values, and legacy have been preserved. Grandmothers, mothers, wives, and sisters-in-law wield inherent leadership skills, seamlessly managing our household and supporting family businesses. They have instilled the belief that a woman’s intuition and emotional intelligence are unparalleled. They excel in crisis management and adaptation, preemptively identifying and neutralizing potential threats. The women in our family have contributed to our well-organized, loving, spiritually aligned, and balanced way of life.
Understanding how women think, act, and innovate can be a challenge for men who haven’t been closely influenced by the women in their lives. The world’s most exceptional women leaders possess a circular vision that enables them to be well-rounded individuals. They can effortlessly engage in conversations about the latest pop culture news and then seamlessly transition to discussions about what’s happening on Wall Street. Women leaders on the quest for significance view the world through a lens of opportunity, perpetually seeking those previously unnoticed openings – perhaps akin to the excitement of a treasure hunt.
In this age of evolving perspectives on leadership, it is crucial to recognize that great leaders come in all genders and bring a wealth of diverse strengths to the table. It is by acknowledging and appreciating these distinctions that we can foster a workplace and a world where every leader is recognized for their unique contributions.
